Dressing Safely for a Flight – Top Tips

Dressing well for a flight is often the last thing travelers concern themselves about, especially if they’re too excited and want to reach their dream destination immediately. However, as airport security procedures get increasingly stringent, it’s become even more important for travelers to dress well and right. But aside from this, what you wear can also affect your comfort during your flight, as well as your chances of surviving in an emergency situation.

That’s why it pays to keep a few facts in mind and learn about the best ways to prepare your outfit, whether you’re flying for a few hours or an entire day. Here are tips.

Layer up

It’s a fact that sometimes airplanes can have extreme temperature fluctuations — ranging from the hot and humid when the air conditioning doesn’t seem to work well, to freezing cold like you’ve just signed for a trip to the North Pole. Layering up on clothes can help you adjust to these temperature changes. However, not only do layers offer comfort in normal flight situations, it also provides a host of safety benefits. For instance, wearing full-length sleeves and pants can get very helpful especially in case of fire or extreme turbulence. These clothes can reduce possible skin damage from burns or from airplane debris or objects getting tossed around the cabin. Extra layers of clothing can also be used to cover your nose or mouth to protect yourself from inhaling smoke.

Wear light, loose-fitting clothes

No matter how much you love skinny jeans or form-fitting outfits, it’s better to save them once you land. Various health issues, such as deep vein thrombosis, can occur during air travel. This condition can lead to life-threatening blood clots and can even get worse if you’re dressed up in tight clothes. So, to prevent such scenario, better get dressed in loose and light clothing.

Also, gastrointestinal gas can expand as your flight reaches cruising altitude. It wouldn’t help if you’re dressed up in jeans or dress pants as they don’t allow your abdomen to expand naturally. Better stick to pants with elastic waistbands or drawstrings instead to give your abdomen space.

Go au naturel

It’s also preferable to wear travel outfits made of natural fibers like wool, cotton or linen. These fabrics can keep you cool and comfortable as they let your skin breathe. Aside from enhancing comfort during your flight, these fabrics are also the safest to have in case of emergency situations such as fire. Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester can cause burns and blisters on your skin as heat melts them, while natural fibers don’t cause any of these and simply turn to ash.

Put your best footwear forward

You may not realize it, but the shoes you wear are actually as important in ensuring your safety as the travelers insurance you buy. Inappropriate footwear can be a major risk in the event of an evacuation. You can easily lose your flip flops or high heels when you try to escape. That’s why it’s best to wear flat shoes or sneakers that fit well as these allow you to be agile during emergency situations.

While securing the best travel insurance is important when flying, it also pays to be practical and to dress safely. Hence, make sure to keep the above tips in mind on your next flight.